Pronunciation guide

Vowels

Zulu vowels are very similar to those found in english. However, Zulu is a tonal language, so the meaning of some words depends on whether you use a high or low pitch.
For instance, "Unjani?" with a high tone on the u means "how are you?" whereas a low thone on the u means "How are they?"

Consonants

t like the t in "tea"

k somewhere between a K and a G in English

kh this is a digraph; it is pronounced like a hard k in english, like k in "kick". Not pronounced like "ch" in the Scottish "loch"

h like English h

hh A digraph. this is a voiced h, like "ch" in the Scottish "loch", but softer.

y Like the English y

b Like the English b

Click Consonants

Zulu has three click consonants, represented by c, q, and x in written Zulu.

c click your tongue off the back of your teeth, like a disapproving "tch"

q sounds like the click made to summon a horse; click the side of your tongue off your molars, on either or oth sides of your mouth

x the Hardest click. Should sound somewhat like a cork being popped from a bottle. put your tongue on the edge of your hard palate, and pullif of sharply. Will take some practise.